May 29, 2014
Lao Ball Artist
These guys are simply awesome and fun to watch. Take a look at their incredible skills with the ball and using no hands! There have several videos posted on Youtube. This particular one is filmed in Luangprabang, Laos. They call themselves Lao Ball Artists (LBA) and it's described as football freestyling.
May 27, 2014
Archeology in Laos - Dr. Nigel Chang
Vientiane Times did a little profile back in 2011 on Dr. Nigel Chang discussing Archaeology in Laos: Excavating in Sepon, Savannakhet. If you're curious to see a bit of background on archeology in Laos, here's your video.
May 20, 2014
Anatomy of Traditional Lao Women's Formal Wear
In many cultures across the world, the culture of a specific country and the opulent designs in their clothing tends to be epitomized particularly in women's clothing. And Laos is no different in that respect. Lao women's
clothing such as these shown here are considered a high representation of Lao
culture. Textile making is common in Laos but like anything else, not all artisans are of equal talent.
Traditionally, Lao women's wear consists of a shirt jacket (ເສື້ອ), skirt (ຜ້າສີ້ນ) and a scarf/sash (ຜ້າບ່ຽງ).
The pa seen (skirt) or ຜ້າສີ້ນ is traditionally worn by most Lao women. There are different variations of it such as ones meant for every day wear versus those worn only on special occasions. They also vary in their material, craftsmanship and quality. Most are made of silk but there are ones made of cotton as well. The one shown below here is one of the more ornately detailed pa seen that would only be worn for a special occasion such as a wedding or ceremony.
The one shown here has a beautiful and almost regal combination of colors. A deep red wine colored silk with hand embroidered gold thread floral motif pattern. Additionally, the foot or bottom of the skirt is also highly detailed in a thick gold silk pattern with additional trim embroidery. Furthermore, as if all that was not enough, the artisan went further by hand beading gold spheres and cylinders throughout the skirt. Generally, the addition of hand beading is not entirely common. However I was able to find this pair that had it.
Traditionally, Lao women's wear consists of a shirt jacket (ເສື້ອ), skirt (ຜ້າສີ້ນ) and a scarf/sash (ຜ້າບ່ຽງ).
The pa seen (skirt) or ຜ້າສີ້ນ is traditionally worn by most Lao women. There are different variations of it such as ones meant for every day wear versus those worn only on special occasions. They also vary in their material, craftsmanship and quality. Most are made of silk but there are ones made of cotton as well. The one shown below here is one of the more ornately detailed pa seen that would only be worn for a special occasion such as a wedding or ceremony.
The one shown here has a beautiful and almost regal combination of colors. A deep red wine colored silk with hand embroidered gold thread floral motif pattern. Additionally, the foot or bottom of the skirt is also highly detailed in a thick gold silk pattern with additional trim embroidery. Furthermore, as if all that was not enough, the artisan went further by hand beading gold spheres and cylinders throughout the skirt. Generally, the addition of hand beading is not entirely common. However I was able to find this pair that had it.
Click image to enlarge to see further detail. Image on the right is a close-up.
May 15, 2014
May 13, 2014
May 12, 2014
Lao New Year 2557 Video Footage
Did you miss some of these events during last month's Lao New Year? Take a look at this video clip posted by the Vientiane Times for Lao New Year 2557. Snippets include the Miss Lao New Year and other contestants, politicians, hoht pa (blessing the Buddha statues), prayer ceremony, the parade, and Water Throwing Festival.
May 08, 2014
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